Specialists' News
Landing Routines
At St Kevin’s, we know that students learn best when they feel calm, safe, and connected. Emotional regulation, understanding and managing our feelings, is a key part of wellbeing and learning readiness. Each term, classrooms focus on a different aspect of regulation and belonging, helping students build confidence and tools they can use throughout the day.
This term, we are trialling soft landing routines in the Junior Building as part of our broader focus on wellbeing and emotional regulation. Teachers are exploring calming tools and predictable morning routines that help students notice and manage strong feelings as they begin their day. These gentle, structured starts support children to transition smoothly from home to school, helping them feel settled and ready for learning. This may include quiet moments for connection, calm music, or time to unpack and prepare before formal learning begins.
What Is a Soft Landing Routine?
A soft landing routine is a calm and predictable way for children to begin their school day. It helps students transition from the busy pace of home or morning drop-off into the structured environment of the classroom.
Rather than launching straight into lessons, a soft landing allows a few minutes for students to settle, connect, and feel ready to learn. This gentle start supports emotional regulation, reduces anxiety, and sets a positive tone for the day ahead.
What It Might Look Like
A soft landing can take many forms depending on the class or age group. It may include:
- Calm background music or soft lighting
- Time to unpack bags and organise belongings
- A quiet greeting or morning check-in with the teacher
- Short, independent activities that are low in cognitive demand
- Opportunities for gentle conversation with peers
These moments provide a sense of safety, routine, and connection, especially helpful for students who find transitions challenging.
When children begin the day feeling calm and connected, they can focus, engage, and regulate their emotions more easily, building a sense of safety, belonging, and readiness for learning.
At St Kevin’s, our Junior School is embedding and trialling soft landing routines as part of our broader commitment to wellbeing and regulation, ensuring every child begins the day with confidence and a sense of calm.
Kind regards,
Eva Tomazos